The CWI submission to the National SDG Implementation Plan welcomes the first draft of the Implementation Plan but notes our concern at the short timeframe and limited circulation for the consultative process. CWI supports the plan’s top-line strategic priorities of awareness, participation, support and of policy alignment. We suggest that these goals can be strengthened by an increased emphasis on:

Participation – Naming a commitment to support the participation of those most at risk from inequality, exclusion and discrimination, including through community development, as a key approach to ensuring that “no one is left behind.”

Support – Including a commitment to support and encourage communities and organisations to engage with the State and hold it to account for its implementation of the SDGs as part of an ongoing and robust democratic process. Again, this commitment must recognise the importance of addressing barriers to participation in community life and policy making such as inequality, exclusion and discrimination.